Human Resources Director

Human Resources Director

The City of South Pasadena is seeking an experienced and visionary Human Resources Director! To be considered for this rewarding career, submit your application through the City's website.

This recruitment is being partially managed by CPS HR Consulting. Please click HERE to view the recruitment brochure.

Salary Range : Up to $211,016 annually DOE / DOQ

This recruitment is open continuous until filled. This recruitment may close or be extended at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early! First Review of Applications : October 1, 2025

The ideal candidate is a proactive, innovative leader who thrives in a municipal environment with an engaged community. They bring deep knowledge of public sector HR management and collective bargaining, including negotiating and implementing MOUs with multiple bargaining units, and a proven track record of building strong partnerships across all levels of an organization. The Director will bring a coaching leadership style able to easily communicate complex legislation and processes to audiences at all levels. This individual is a champion of positive cultural change, skilled in building trust, improving employee morale, and fostering an engaged and inclusive workplace. Experience in leading ERP / HRIS upgrades and process automation will be an asset in this role. With integrity, discretion, and a people-first mindset, the Director will play a critical role in shaping the City's workforce of today and tomorrow.

For more detailed information on the job duties, qualifications, skills and abilities, technical competencies and physical demands required for this position, please visit the Human Resources Director Class Spec.

Qualifications :

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible human resource management experience, including at least four (4) years in a senior leadership or director-level role. Municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred.
• Equivalent to four (4) years of college work or a Bachelor's degree in human resource management, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Due to the performance of field duties, the ability to operate a City vehicle may be required; therefore, a valid California Class C Driver's License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

Note : An equivalent combination of experience, education, and / or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS : A Master's degree and / or professional certifications (e.g., IPMA-HR, PHR, SPHR, SHRMCP, SHRM-SCP) are highly desirable.

FLSA Status : Exempt WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Standard office environment that requires extended sitting, mobility in the field at construction sites with potential exposure to dangerous machinery and potential physical harm, ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. May be exposed to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise. Computer terminals, copier / scanner, and other office machines are used on a daily basis.

HOW TO APPLY : This recruitment is being partially managed by CPS HR Consulting. To be considered for this position, please review the recruitment brochure linked below and apply through the City's website. Your application must contain a resume, cover letter, and six professional references (two direct reports, two colleagues, and two supervisors). Recruitment Brochure :

For questions contact Rachael Danke, Recruiter, at rdanke@cpshr.us or via phone at (916) 471-3323. This recruitment is open until filled; applications will be screened as they are received. Interviews will be scheduled while the recruitment is open, so candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

Selection Process : To be considered, please apply online under "Current Openings". This recruitment may close, or be extended, at any time, without prior notice. Cover letter, resume and other attachments must be in PDF format. Only complete applications or applications that meet the minimum requirements may be considered. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience and, level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures.

The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7239 or email HR@southpasadenaca.gov. The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.

The City of South Pasadena is committed to providing fair opportunities to all applicants, including those with a criminal history. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit https : / / calcivilrights.ca.gov / fair-chance-act.

The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.

Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.

South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area.

Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.

NOTE : The provisions in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract; and any provisions contained in this flyer may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of South Pasadena provides an extensive benefits package to support its employees' well-being and financial security, including long term disability. These benefits include :